American math and science

The Jakarta Post , Jakarta | Sat, 06/17/2006 2:58 PM | Opinion

An article U.S. looks to Asia to boost grades in math, science in The Jakarta Post on June 12 about the quality of American math and science in schools was worrying. For someone who spent 10 years in American schools and has seen a bit of Asian schooling, I strongly disagree with the actions and opinions of the current American educators.

Yes, math and science is ""below"" Asian standards in the sense that their curriculums are not as rigorous, information-filled and intense, but one thing has to be realized. You can't compare 15-year-old students' grades on exams and decide if the whole country's education system is working. It is the end result that matters.

Is the education given to students being used to create better lifestyles and awareness of the world around them? As adults are they working to preserve the earth and better scientific knowledge and technology? The Americans are leaders in this respect.

Asian schools push students regardless of their abilities, leaving 50 percent competing for the highest grade in the class (the so-called motivation) and 50 percent feeling highly frustrated.

American curricula stresses creativity, therefore a 15-year-old's knowledge of science would consist of a large degree of this. Creativity cannot be measured on an exam. An Asian student's knowledge consists of drilled information easily brought out on paper. However, creativity is an attitude that takes years to develop. Knowledge can be gained over a short period of time. Therefore the former is far more important.

In systems where education is seen just as getting great grades in math and science reflection is lost and so are many aspects which contribute to nation-building. Values, priorities and means and ways of doing things change.

Education is done best with the willingness of the learner, a creative atmosphere and cooperation between school and parents. The ""high level of confidence in the ability to study"" which educators say does not transfer to high grades on paper is the quality the student uses as an adult to seek greater heights. It is proof a system is working effectively.

If the Americans are so worried about getting high grades on these kinds of exams my advice is to collect the question papers of the last 20 exams and get the students to memorize them. Or better memorize their textbooks. After all math and science facts are the same anywhere in the world.

SUNITHA GIRISH
Bekasi, West Java

Comments (0) | Post comment

A | A | A |